Hello Sir, How can I get a mentor for my startup for which my roadmap is ready, website ready and it is near launching stage but still I feel need to get a mentor so that we can grow our startup as per plan. Not just looking for investor but a mentor who can guide through the journey to be successful. Although my start up plan is unique and there is no competitor in the sector with huge growth potential. Please guide how we can select or approach mentor?

Ans: Vinit, Getting AI, Data Science, or Data Analytics branches in NITs or IIITs through early JoSAA rounds is highly unlikely. Recent JoSAA data shows that AI/DS-type branches in IIITs close much earlier—for example, IIIT Dharwad’s Data Science & AI closed around 39,025 CRL in 2025, and IIITDM Kurnool’s AI & DS closed near 35,178 CRL in the open category. For Haryana home state, NIT Kurukshetra may offer admission to lower-preference branches in later rounds, but AI or Data Science is not realistic at this rank. Besides JoSAA, you can try CSAB Special Rounds, but it’s important to keep expectations flexible. As backup options, consider branches like ECE, Mechanical, Civil, or Production in NITs and GFTIs, or apply to colleges such as YMCA Faridabad, UIET Kurukshetra, DCRUST Murthal, Chandigarh University, LPU, and private institutions like Manipal, SRM, or VIT Northern India campuses for CSE or AI-related branches. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.